LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN RODGERS has confirmed Raheem Sterling is set to sign a new contract within the next 24 hours.
The 18-year-old is on the brink of penning a five-year deal which is expected to begin with a weekly wage of €36,000.
Speculation had been mounting the England international could move away from Anfield, but Rodgers has confirmed a new deal has been agreed and should be signed within the next day.
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“Hopefully that will be concluded within the next 24 hours,” Rodgers told reporters.
“I have said before that there was never a real issue, it was just a matter of timing and we hope that over the next couple of days that can be complete.
“We were always calm. I speak a lot with Raheem and his representatives and there has never been any issue from their side.
“It was just making sure that we take care in terms of the financial and football plan for the player.”
Sterling has improved dramatically in the few months since the season started, and has evolved from a promising youth player to an integral part of Rodgers’ first team.
Rodgers is adamant that Anfield is the ideal environment for the winger to continue in his development, with him only having turned 18 earlier this month.
“This was about a young player who has rocketed from playing in the youth teams and the reserves into becoming a full England international,” Rodgers said.
“So a lot has happened in his young life and it was just about making sure that there was that protection for him going forward.
“I have always been confident that this was going to be the best place for him. The kid is very focused and devoted to Liverpool. His representatives know this is the best place for him.
“Once it gets concluded, he can start the next part of his development and hopefully he can keep progressing.”
Rodgers expects Sterling deal before weekend
LIVERPOOL MANAGER BRENDAN RODGERS has confirmed Raheem Sterling is set to sign a new contract within the next 24 hours.
The 18-year-old is on the brink of penning a five-year deal which is expected to begin with a weekly wage of €36,000.
Speculation had been mounting the England international could move away from Anfield, but Rodgers has confirmed a new deal has been agreed and should be signed within the next day.
“Hopefully that will be concluded within the next 24 hours,” Rodgers told reporters.
“I have said before that there was never a real issue, it was just a matter of timing and we hope that over the next couple of days that can be complete.
“We were always calm. I speak a lot with Raheem and his representatives and there has never been any issue from their side.
“It was just making sure that we take care in terms of the financial and football plan for the player.”
Sterling has improved dramatically in the few months since the season started, and has evolved from a promising youth player to an integral part of Rodgers’ first team.
Rodgers is adamant that Anfield is the ideal environment for the winger to continue in his development, with him only having turned 18 earlier this month.
“This was about a young player who has rocketed from playing in the youth teams and the reserves into becoming a full England international,” Rodgers said.
“I have always been confident that this was going to be the best place for him. The kid is very focused and devoted to Liverpool. His representatives know this is the best place for him.
“Once it gets concluded, he can start the next part of his development and hopefully he can keep progressing.”
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